VGA Testing Methodology

The Microsoft DirectX-11 graphics API is native to the Microsoft Windows 7 Operating System, and will be the primary O/S for our test platform. DX11 is also available as a Microsoft Update for the Windows Vista O/S, so our test results apply to both versions of the Operating System. The majority of benchmark tests used in this article are comparative to DX11 performance, however some high-demand DX10 tests have also been included.

According to the Steam Hardware Survey published for the month ending May 2010, the most popular gaming resolution is 1280x1024 (17-19" standard LCD monitors). However, because this 1.31MP resolution is considered 'low' by most standards, our benchmark performance tests concentrate on higher-demand resolutions: 1.76MP 1680x1050 (22-24" widescreen LCD) and 2.30MP 1920x1200 (24-28" widescreen LCD monitors). These resolutions are more likely to be used by high-end graphics solutions, such as those tested in this article.

In each benchmark test there is one 'cache run' that is conducted, followed by five recorded test runs. Results are collected at each setting with the highest and lowest results discarded. The remaining three results are averaged, and displayed in the performance charts on the following pages.

A combination of synthetic and video game benchmark tests have been used in this article to illustrate relative performance among graphics solutions. Our benchmark frame rate results are not intended to represent real-world graphics performance, as this experience would change based on supporting hardware and the perception of individuals playing the video game.

I'm really interested in why this card was compared to the 460, 470 and the 5970?

I want to see how it stands up to the 2GB 6970 OR the regular EVGA 3GB. You do realize that not all the Classifieds come with 3GB of Vram, right? Why not compare apples to apples? Why compare this to last years options?

This is my first review of a video card and sadly that was all that I had on hand. My hope is that I will continue to do video card reviews from time to time and as that happens the number cards being compared to will grow.

It was compared to a Stock ASUS GTX 580 1.5GB which provides a pretty nice apples to apples comparison.

Guys, you are complaining about stupid things... This card is all about extreme overclocking, there was no room for HDMI because there is EVBot connector and with it you can unleash this beast. Regarding 3GB vs. 1.5GB version, there is really small difference between them, maybe 2-5% advantage for 3GB version.

Really nice review! Maybe if you could put more pictures in the future which would be really nice :) keep it up!

I am considering purchasing a 3GB Classified HC and was anxious to see how it compared to say the normal EVGA 3GB or the Asus with more Vram, as well as the AMD 2GB 6970. Maybe you can do another review when those are available:)

The only other card worth looking at is the Asus ROG Matrix 580 Platinum. Other manufacturers of course have custom non-reference flagships, but the consensus seems to be that the MSI and Asus ones are the top (ex: Gigabyte).

The 580 Lightning Xtreme is at a similar price point and is also oriented for enthusiasts and ROG ... well, the name should say what the target audience is.

With PCI-E 3.0 cards supposedly around the bend, I can't see buying anything 2.0 flavored now. I really wonder what double the PCI-E bandwidth will mean in ~real-world~ gaming.That said,......this is really a well thought out design and awesome performer too. I love it.

These are very nice cards. No doubt about that. However, I ran all these tests at exactly the same settings and parameters with my MSI Lightning Xtreme and the Lightning beat the EVGA like a red-headed step-child. I am honestly no fan boy of any manufacturer but the results I obtained from the card I own puts this EVGA Classy to shame. Just take this for what it's worth. There is no comparison between these two cards. MSI For The Win.

I got swept up in the craze and bought 4 of these to go in a 4-way SLI configuration. I sold 4 "vanilla" GTX 580's to help finance the "upgrade". Right now I am sorry I did this as these cards just do not do anything the vanilla cards can't do just as well on air or water cooling a lot cheaper. Besides the cost of the cards themselves, if you go more than 2 you will need a second power supply, and also a new computer case to house the second supply (which I also did). EVGA has yet to release any kind of software voltage control, so you are stuck with factory settings as well. That the necessary software was not released with a card in this price class with this much hype is unforgiveable and shows EVGA is focusing on selling a gimmick as opposed to a real tool.